5 things to do in and around Boston

Mardi Gras, a food festival fighting AIDS, flamenco, and more.

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A BIG EASY-STYLE FETE

Tuesday > March 4

It’s Mardi Gras, the traditional last fling before the deprivation of Lent on the Christian calendar, and The Hawthorne at the Hotel Commonwealth is celebrating big. Starting at 8 p.m. enjoy New Awlins-style cocktails, boiled crawfish, and oyster po’ boys while listening to live jazz from Mickey Bones and the Hot Tamale Brass Band. A portion of the $75 admission fee goes to charity. 617-532-9150; thehawthornemardigras.eventbrite.com

Marilyn Humphries

JUST A TASTE

Tuesday > March 4

Boston’s South End restaurants are legendary, and you can try many of them at Taste of the South End, from 7 to 9:30 p.m at Boston Center for the Arts. Unlimited food and wine samples come with the $100 ticket, which benefits the AIDS Action Committee. 617-437-6200; aac.org

MIND MATTERS

Wednesday > March 5

Theoretical physicist, best-selling author, and optimistic prognosticator Michio Kaku takes a look at the human brain in his latest book, The Future of the Mind. The Coolidge Corner Theatre hosts him discussing laboratory research that will blow your mind with findings about telepathy, telekinesis, artificial intelligence, and more. Tickets are $5, or free if you pre-order the book. 617-566-6660; brooklinebooksmith.com

Michael Malyszko

SUPERSIZE, FREE

Starting Friday > March 7

See free IMAX movies every Friday this month at the Museum of Science’s Mugar Omni Theater. Immerse yourself in Jerusalem, Journey to the South Pacific, or Rocky Mountain Express in the five-story, dome-screen venue with state-of-the-art sound. 617-723-2500; mos.org/free-film-fridays

Yi-Chun Wu

IN STEP

Starting Saturday > March 8, 9, and 16

The Flamenco Festival 2014 at the Berklee Performance Center offers two views of the passionate Spanish art form. The “Stars of Flamenco” show next weekend spotlights young performers like Jesus Carmona and Karime Amaya as well as 52-year-old flamenco legend Antonio Canales. The March 16 performance, while including dance, focuses on the music of influential guitarist Tomatito. Tickets start at $30. 617-876-4275; worldmusic.org

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